Hugh Duncan Residence, Edmonton

The Hugh Duncan Residence is a significant historical home built in 1911. Hugh Duncan, a pioneer pharmacist in Strathcona, commissioned John Sanford to construct this prominent structure on a corner lot at 104 Street and 86 Avenue. Duncan lived in the residence with his wife Clara and their three children: James Edgar, Grace Helen, and Brock Lockhart. Until his death in 1935, Duncan owned and operated the Whyte Avenue Pharmacy, establishing himself as an important figure in the local community.

The Hugh Duncan Residence is an excellent example of a Foursquare style home, characterized by its symmetry, generous proportions, and restrained detailing. This architectural style was popular in the early 20th century and often featured Classical Revival elements, which conveyed a sense of status, grace, and civility. The house’s design reflects these qualities, making it a prominent and elegant structure within the neighborhood.

Situated on Main Street North, now known as Calgary Trail, the residence was part of a grouping of stylish homes that lined this tree-lined boulevard. This area of Strathcona was known for its affluent, upper-middle-class residents, who were often entrepreneurial and professional families. The architectural style of the Hugh Duncan Residence, along with its neighboring houses, illustrates the socio-economic values and aspirations of Strathcona’s residents prior to World War One. The neighborhood’s development during this period is marked by strong, formal, and stylish architecture, epitomized by the Duncan home.

In recognition of its historical and architectural significance, the Hugh Duncan Residence was designated a Municipal Historic Resource in 2005.